Have you ever gone to your doctor concerned about some new symptom, only to be told “It’s just part of your fibromyalgia?”

We all know that fibromyalgia (FMS) symptoms are a bizarre conglomeration of things that cover pretty much every part of your body, and a lot of the time that new symptom is a part of FMS. Sometimes, though, it’s not - and allowing your doctor to write off everything as “just fibro” can be hazardous to your health.

I recently talked to a fellow fibromite who’d had her symptoms blown off that way, and as a results, another disease was able to progress undetected. By the time it was diagnosed, it was far harder to treat and may have done permanent damage.

I’m telling you this not to scare you … well, OK, it’s a little bit to scare you, because I want you to push your doctor to look deeper into new symptoms and not give up when he or she tries to blow you off. If anyone knows their bodies, it’s us! Really, do you know anyone else who can be awakened by even the slightest wrinkle in a bedsheet? We feel everything more than most people, so if you think something new is going on your body, pay attention.

Sure, the first nine times it might just be another fibromyalgia symptom rearing its ugly head, but the 10th time you demand a closer look, it could save your life.

Here are some examples of possible fibromyalgia symptoms that warrant a closer look:

• Chest pain
• Irregular heart beat
• Lumps in your breasts
• Shortness of breath
• New or worsening allergies or sensitivities
• Sudden or worsening confusion or disorientation

Have you had something go undiagnosed becuase your doctor assumed it was part of FMS? Tell your story here or in About.com’s Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome forum.

Suggested Reading

• Signs & Symptoms of Fibromyalgia - The Monster List!
• Fibromyalgia & Overlapping Conditions
• My Clothes Hurt! How to Dress for Less Pain

Adrienne Dellwo

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